This blog is dedicated to all the people of Selangor for voting in the new state government. Time to have your say now.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

RM1.2 million expenses by Balkis members questioned - Sun

by Karen Arukesamy

SHAH ALAM (March 11, 2009) : Permodalan Negri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) records show the company spent RM1.2 million in travelling expenses for members of Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) throughout 2007.

“There was a ‘technical’ visit to Disneyland, Tokyo by the members of the Balkis. What kind of ‘technical’ visit is this?” asked Azmin Ali (PKR-Bukit Antarabangsa) during his debate on the Sultan’s address at the Selagor state legislative assembly today.

“This ‘technical’ visit did not end at Disneyland, because Mickey Mouse had ran away, so they had another two ‘technical’ visits -- Hongkong and Korea,” said Azmin who called for an explanation of the visit and a report on the outcome, if it brought any benefit to the state.

Deputy Speaker Aniza Talha remarked that they (opposition assemblymen) are not Balkis members, to which Azmin retorted: “They are not Balkis members but they sleep with Balkis (members).”

Azmin also revealed that Balkis had received a large contribution/allocation, supposedly for welfare, but according to the information received, it was used by the members for their clothing and accessories.

“We cannot allow such robbers to roam in Selangor anymore and they use institutions like the attorney general’s office, the police and Election Commission (EC) to continue threatening us,” he said.

Azmin also revealed how the tax payers’ money was misused by “irresponsible” officers in what is now called Selangor State Development Office (previously Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negri Selangor) which had held discussions on how to overthrow the present Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state administration and return power to the Barisan Nasional (BN).

He said on Feb 6, 2009, the first task on the list at the Jawatankuasa Kerja Tindakan Persekutuan Negri’s meeting discussed how BN could wrest the state back from PR at the next general election.Second on the agenda was how to sustain the reign of the BN federal government.

“This proves how desperate the federal government is to bring down the PR government,” he said.

“People of Selangor pay tax for the development of the state and not for Umno and BN,” he added.

He also questioned the presence of members irrelevant to the development of the state like National Security Council (NSC) and the EC.

“What is the connection between NSC and EC and the state’s development?” he said.

“We have exposed many things yet all they can see are the ‘cows’. Why should we feel ashamed of meeting under the tree when they are not ashamed of robbing the people of their rights?” Azmin said.

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Roles and responsibilities of councillors

Roles and responsibilities of councillors

As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.

As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.

To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession

To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.

As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.

To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.

To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.

To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.

As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.

To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.

To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.

Appointment of the councillors

The Local Government Act 1976

Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.

residing in the respective local council

Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs

Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry

Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving

Editor’s Note: If you have any comments or views on this issue of councillors, please write to us at metro@thestar.com.my.